Pubdate: Fri, 11 Feb 2005
Source: Sun.Star Cebu (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sun.Star
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1690
Author: RHM
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

DADS WANT INSPECTION ON BARS OVER DRUG USE,
'LEWD' BEHAVIOR

REPORTS on illegal drug use by nightspot employees and "lewd" demeanor of 
customers have prompted Cebu City councilors to inspect night 
establishments soon.

The council also agreed to expand the role of the City Health Department, 
which conducts hygiene examination, to include drug testing on nightspot 
personnel.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama, who presided over last Wednesday's session, said 
they might as well "take a (closer) look" into the situation.

This came after Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera revealed that a bar in the 
city's north district tolerates customers' "obscene" behavior.

A Sun.Star source said that particular bar caters to teenagers and 
youngsters who go shirtless or half-naked in their frenzy.

Drug Test

It was not yet agreed, though, as to what the council will do if the report 
is confirmed, and whether all "nightclubs" will be checked, which would 
involve drug testing of employees, as Councilor Edgardo Labella suggested.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo also presented a resolution asking the police to 
do regular inspections on night establishments after he received reports on 
guest relations officers' illegal drug use while at work.

But his colleagues objected, saying the resolution is discriminatory.

Besides, the police have no way of knowing whether the employees are high 
on drugs or just plain drunk, said Pesquera.

The council, which will also request owners to institute drug-testing 
programs in coordination with the City Health Department, has decided to 
bring Carillo's resolution to police attention.
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